Elefsina has been an important cultural and economic factor shaping Greek history. Nowadays, Elefsina attempts to build a sustainable future by attracting generations to intensive knowledge and creative action through social stability and cohesion.

Mr George Tsoukalas

The heart of the secret religious rites of ancient Greece

The municipality is home of the famous secret religious rites of ancient Greece, the Elefsinian Mysteries, the birthplace of the poet Aeschylus (525–456 BC), and one of the first cities to nurture democracy.

Vision and Motivation

Through its learning city initiative, Elefsina hopes to reconnect its citizens with the area’s history, and engage them with the present and future through social cohesion, individual empowerment and environmental protection. Elefsina, while the main vision is the creation of an educational and cultural environment, supporting the development of the city's sustainability.

Challenges and Goals

Elefsina is attempting to bridge the gap between the sacred, the industrial and the modern sustainable city, and thus re-connect its citizens. It intends to strengthen social cohesion and individual empowerment and pursues better environmental protection.

Plan and Implementation

The city has designed an Action Plan and implements a multidimensional program emphasizing four pillars: a) mobilization of human and financial resources, b) extensive use of modern technologies on all education levels, c) inclusive lifelong learning, and d) empowerment of citizens through education. The Centers for Lifelong Learning ensure equal (adult) education, also for disadvantaged groups. Together with the Municipal Educational Units and the Special Professional Education and Training Center for the disabled, Elefsina fights poverty and discrimination.

Vulnerable children receive support through the “Friendly Nest” Center, and public education is fostered by the “Education for Sustainable Development Programme” and “People’s University”. The Aeschylia Festival provides cultural prosperity.

Elefsina has been an important cultural and economic factor shaping Greek history. Nowadays, Elefsina attempts to build a sustainable future by attracting generations to intensive knowledge and creative action through social stability and cohesion.